Ingleton, sterling silver (which is marked with a 925 stamp), 18k or 24k gold (which contains 75% or pure gold, respectively), nickel-free stainless steel and platinum, are your safest bets since these metals are less likely to contain nickel.
In respect to this, what kind of earrings are best for sensitive ears?
The best earrings for sensitive ears are generally made with gold, platinum, or silver. Make sure you buy earrings that are 14k gold or above or sterling silver 925 to avoid the possibility of nickel being mixed in.
Fine earrings, particularly gold earrings, are almost always an alloy as well because pure gold is too soft for jewelry. Alloys can be particularly bothersome for the human body, because they can contain trace amounts of many different highly reactive metals.
Likewise, is yellow gold good for sensitive ears?
Yellow and rose gold are preferable as often white gold contains nickel. Anything lower than 14k gold usually contains nickel and other allergenic alloys.